Chapter 146

Chapter 146

The next morning, Zhao Beichuan took the whole family to the wine shop.

Lu Yao hadn’t come by for many days. As he stepped off the carriage, he was impressed by his family’s wine shop. A massive signboard with large golden characters read "Lu Family Wine Shop." Although it was still covered with a red cloth, the outline underneath was visible.

“Why did you make such a big signboard?”

Zhao Beichuan said, “I measured it based on He Yan Zhai’s. It’s as big as theirs. What do you think?”

Lu Yao thumbed up. “Impressive!”

Zhao Beichuan grinned and opened the door, leading everyone inside.

The wine shop had already been warmed up, with checks for any smoking areas and repairs done beforehand. The attendants were sweeping the floor and wiping the tables. They needed to clean the wine shop thoroughly as the opening was in two days.

“Oh wow, this main hall is really beautiful!” Xiao Nian ran in excitedly and sat in a small booth. “This chair is so comfortable! You can even lean back on it!”

The others also walked over. Ma Kuan touched the smooth leather and said, “Is this all leather?”

“Yes, your sister-in-law requested it. We used top-quality cowhide, which is both durable and easy to clean.”

Lu Yao also sat down to try it out. “Comfortable, but it could be a bit more elastic.” Originally, he wanted to make it like a sofa, but due to limited resources and his unfamiliarity with sofa construction, he could only wrap several layers of wool felt and cotton under the cowhide.

Xiao Chun went to the back kitchen and, seeing the bright and spacious stove room, happily said, “This kitchen is really nice! What’s that stove for?”

Zhao Beichuan said, “That’s for roast duck. I’ll teach you how to make it tomorrow.”

“Alright!”

The four assistant chefs stood up to greet them as soon as they saw people coming in.

Zhao Beichuan said, “This is your second manager. From now on, all kitchen matters should be handled by him.”

“Yes,” the four replied in unison.

“These are Lu Dong, Lu Xi, Lu Nan, and Lu Bei. Your sister-in-law bought them. Teach them how to cook. Once they learn, you won’t be so busy.”

“Yes.”

“Let’s check out the upper floors.” The second and third floors were newly renovated, and Lu Yao hadn’t seen them yet.

The stairs were newly custom-made, wider by a person’s width, and didn’t creak when walked on.

The four rooms on the second floor were named Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum, modeled after the Ping Prefecture wine shop but with more refined details. The walls had been freshly painted and still carried the smell of lime.

Lu Yao said, “Have someone buy some incense to place here later, so guests won’t find it unpleasant.”

“Alright, I’ll send Lu Jia to buy it.”

Some flowers were placed in the rooms. As it was not the season for blooming chrysanthemums or orchids, Zhao Beichuan had specially found artisans to make fake daylilies, which were almost indistinguishable from the real ones.

The third floor was themed Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, an innovative design that was unique in Shang Jing.

Lu Yao felt confident that the Lu Family Wine Shop would become a huge hit in Shang Jing as well!

Since the opening was scheduled for the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, and the day after tomorrow was fast approaching, Zhao Beichuan and Xiao Chun stayed at the wine shop to help with the final preparations.

The others returned home. A few days ago, Lu Yao had already prepared the filling and dough for the tangyuan. He planned to return later to make some tangyuan and send them to each family, inviting them to the opening ceremony at the wine shop the next day.

The number of people invited wasn't many—apart from a few ladies who joined us for dinner last time, the neighboring Boss Xu next door, and the Shi family's madam.

Ma Kuan also invited a few southern wine merchants and some people from the Chamber of Commerce.

The invitations had been sent out, but it was uncertain whether these people would come. After all, they still had few connections in Shang Jing.

*

Zhao Beichuan had been busy until the evening before returning; by that time, the rice dumplings in the pot were already cooked, and the whole family gathered to have dinner together.

Lu Yao said, "After dinner, let's go for a walk. I heard there will be lantern riddles in the West Ward tonight, and a Jinling wealthy merchant will set off fireworks."

"Really!" Xiaonian was so excited she couldn't finish her meal and wanted to change clothes.

"No rush, if we go now, there won't be many people. Let's finish our meal first."

In previous years, they celebrated the Lantern Festival in Ping Prefecture, where the fireworks were small-scale, but they wondered what the fireworks in Shang Jing would be like.

After dinner, Lu Yao also changed into new clothes, wrapped in a cloak, and Zhao Beichuan changed into a cotton robe of the same color as his. When they came out, everyone else was ready too.

The Lu family members were all quite presentable, let alone Ma Kuan and Zhang Qiulan. Standing together, the family truly looked dignified.

There were quite a few people, so they split into two carriages, departing from Zhangtai Street, and arrived in the West Ward in less than an hour.

There were too many people out to see the fireworks tonight, so the carriages couldn't get through. Lu Jia and Lu Bing parked the carriages on an empty space next to West Street, and everyone got off to walk there.

"It's so lively!" Xiaonian hooked her arm through Lu Yao's, looking around as she was mesmerized by the street lanterns, unsure of where to look.

Xiaodou hooked his arm through the other side of Lu Yao, protecting them from the crowd so no one would bump into his sister-in-law.

Zhao Beichuan and Ma Kuan walked alongside, while Xiaochun and Zhang Qiulan walked behind, quietly holding hands.

Xiaochun didn't dare to hold too tightly, as his hands had developed many calluses from years of cooking, whereas Zhang Qiulan's fingers were slender and smooth, like warm jade. He was afraid of scratching such delicate skin.

However, as they walked, Zhang Qiulan suddenly intertwined his fingers with his, their fingers tightly clasped and getting tighter.

Xiaochun looked down at their intertwined fingers, his Adam's apple slightly moving, his heartbeat suddenly quickening. Zhang Qiulan subtly smiled and pulled him towards a stall selling lanterns ahead.

"There's a lantern riddle here, come quickly!" Zhao Beidou called everyone over.

A crowd had already gathered nearby, and it was said that these lantern riddles were free to guess. If you guessed correctly, you could take the lantern to the shop to receive a gift. If you guessed wrong, you had to pay 100 wen to take the lantern, probably just a marketing tactic by the shop.

They arrived a bit late, and most of the simpler riddles had already been taken, leaving the more difficult ones.

But who was Zhao Beidou? The highly learned jieyuan from Ping Prefecture. He pointed to the nearest lantern riddle and said, "‘Lonely peaks and overlapping clouds scatter,’ it should be the character ‘ju’ (崛)." He then wrote the character below and took the lantern.

He solved six lantern riddles in a row and ran in with a string of lanterns to exchange for gifts.

Shortly after, he came out disappointed, holding some cheap trinkets.

"I thought it would be a great gift, but it's just some sachets and wooden pendants."

Lu Yao took them with a smile and said, "It's great to get something for free. Let's go ahead and continue exploring."

Ahead were dragon and lion dances, the clanging of gongs and drums so loud it hurt the ears.

Lu Yao, disliking loud noises, let the younger ones go ahead while he held Zhao Beichuan's hand and walked to the bridge, watching people place lanterns on the ice.

Lanterns lined the riverbank, colorful and very beautiful.

"Let's go, we'll also place a few lanterns."

The two of them walked down the steps and saw someone squatting nearby selling flower lanterns, shouting, "Flower lanterns! For blessings, wealth, and safety..."

The voice sounded familiar to Lu Yao, who went over to take a look. It was indeed Fang Xiao Wu, who had helped introduce them to Shang Jing when they first arrived.

"How much do the flower lanterns cost?"

It was getting dark, and Fang Xiao Wu didn't recognize them at first. "Thirty wen each, buy three and get one free."

Lu Yao thought it was quite expensive. They were just made of a few colored papers, with a wooden base, a little oil, and a wick inside.

Zhao Beichuan tossed him a string of cash. "Three, please, no need for the extra one."

"Thank you, sir!" Fang Xiao Wu quickly picked out four beautiful lanterns and handed them over. As he stood up, he finally recognized them. "Oh, it's you two!"

Lu Yao smiled. "Recognize us now?"

"Of course, guests as generous and polite as you are rare. One meeting and I can't forget you."

"Why are you selling flower lanterns?"

"Oh, it's my sister's stall. She went to buy some food and left me to sell these."

Just then, a twelve or thirteen-year-old girl ran over. "I'm back. I just grilled some meat skewers. Do you want to try some?"

Fang Xiao Wu quickly placed the basket by her side. "No, thank you. You sell them."

"Hand over the money."

"Why should I give it to you? I did the selling."

"I'll tell Dad!"

Fang Xiao Wu stuck out his tongue and ran off. Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan couldn't help but laugh at the scene.

By the river, they found an empty spot. Zhao Beichuan lit all four lanterns at once. Lu Yao, unable to squat, stood nearby, hands clasped, eyes closed, silently praying.

"May my family be safe and healthy. May the restaurant open smoothly, and may Xiaodou succeed in the imperial exams..."

In the distance, fireworks shot up, bursting into fine rays, like flowers falling from the sky.

Zhao Beichuan stood up too, wrapping an arm around Lu Yao, and they looked up. As more fireworks lit the sky, the street gradually roared with excitement, and people waved and cheered.

Caught up in the lively atmosphere, they waved and shouted along with the crowd.

*

The restaurant would open at Chen hour, but it was still early, with two hours to prepare.

The kitchen had already started the fire. Xiao Chun was frying the oil, and the chickens had been marinated the day before. Twenty ducks had been cleaned and frozen, ready to be roasted in the oven.

A few newly hired boys were cutting vegetables and peeling garlic, all working efficiently.

Zhang Qiulan and Xiaonian were looking at the menu. "Sister-in-law, isn't thirty liang of silver per pot of aged wine too expensive?"

"Not at all. Others sell imitation Lu Wine for ten liang. Our five-year-aged wine is worth thirty."

Lu Family's restaurant only sold their own wine, in three types. The regular wine was ten liang per pot, three-year-aged wine was twenty liang, and five-year-aged wine was thirty liang.

A pot of wine weighs one jin, a price that wouldn't sell well in Ping Prefecture. But in Shang Jing, Lu Yao thought the price was a good deal.

Zhao Beichuan had already swept the floor six times and wiped the tables seven times since arriving that morning. He seemed nervous.

Lu Yao walked over and took Zhao Beichuan's hand, only then realizing that his palms were sweaty. "Don't be nervous, this is our fourth opening. The previous ones were all so successful, don't worry about it."

Zhao Beichuan took a deep breath, his body trembling slightly. He hadn't been nervous during the previous openings because he only managed the back kitchen, while Lu Yao took care of everything else. However, this time was different; he was solely responsible for the entire renovation and completion of the restaurant. He was afraid something might go wrong, fearing it would tarnish the restaurant's reputation.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "I'll go check upstairs again. It seems like a painting is hung crooked on the second floor."

Lu Yao held him back. "It's fine. We'll have at most four or five tables of guests today."

Zhao Beichuan still went up to take a look, straightened the painting, and then came back down.

Outside, it was already dawn, and the dishes in the back kitchen were prepared. It was half an hour before the opening.

Ma Kuan and Xiao Chun moved the purchased firecrackers to the entrance. Just then, Boss Xu and his wife strolled over from their own shop, each carrying a gift.

As soon as they entered, the two stopped in their tracks. Xu Zhanguang looked around the hall and said, "Your decor is quite magnificent!"

Lu Yao and Zhao Beichuan hurriedly came out to greet them. "Boss Xu, you're here."

Xu Zhanguang looked around and walked to a private room. "This method is good. I said placing tables on the first floor doesn't attract customers. It's always empty throughout the year. Your arrangement is really good."

Lu Yao smiled. "Why don't you renovate your place like this?"

"Sure, after things settle down, introduce that craftsman to me."

Xu Zhanguang wanted to check out the second floor as well, but since Lu Yao was inconvenienced, he let Zhao Beichuan accompany him upstairs.

After a tour, Xu Zhanguang was deeply impressed. "No wonder your restaurant in Ping Prefecture became successful. The second floor is really well done!"

Lu Yao humbly said, "It's just a little effort. The success of the restaurant ultimately depends on the quality of the dishes."

"Absolutely, I must taste your dishes today."

Soon after, voices were heard from outside. Xu Zhanguang told the two to go attend to their business while he and his wife sat in a private room on the first floor.

As she touched the tables and chairs, Mrs. Xu said, "They're upholstered in leather, making them quite comfortable and not cold to sit on."

Xu Zhanguang shook his head and smiled. "This Lu Family Inn might soon become famous all over Shang Jing."

"Really?"

"The other day while chatting with friends, we accidentally mentioned Lu Family's restaurant. You know what?"

Mrs. Xu shook her head.

"That very famous Lu Wine is brewed by them. Although our place also sells Lu Wine, it's mixed with other wines. I wonder what the real Lu Wine tastes like."

It’s not that I’m not envious, but the Baiyu Lou became famous in Shang Jing for its tofu, which, by the way, is also a recipe from the Lu family. They also have a scholar about to take the imperial examinations. Even if we’re envious, we can’t afford to make enemies, given our shared origins.

A delegation from the Chamber of Commerce arrived at the door. Lu Yao had thought they wouldn't come when he sent the invitations, but they did give him face.

"Please come in, esteemed guests. We've prepared a private suite upstairs for you."

President Huo smiled and remarked, "We came in a hurry today and didn't prepare any gifts. This calligraphy is written by me. I hope Master Lu won't mind."

"How could I? Your presence is an honor!"

Zhao Beichuan led them to the Mei Ju on the second floor and went out to make tea.

The guests looked at the room's decoration and said, "This room is quite elegant. I think it looks better than He Yan Zhai."

Another person said, "What good does a pretty house do? The head chef at He Yan Zhai is a descendant of the imperial chef from the previous dynasty. Their dishes are the best in Shangjing. The Lu family certainly can't measure up."

President Huo said with a smile, "I haven't tried the Lu family's dishes, but I've heard that Lu Wine tastes excellent. I'll try it later."

At the door, Zhao Beichuan overheard their conversation clearly. The last time they went to He Yan Zhai, the food was just slightly better than other places, but it was nowhere near as good as their own!

He chuckled to himself. Just wait and see what real delicacies taste like!

It was nearly the Chen hour (7-9 AM), and finally, Madame Lin and her party arrived. Another carriage carried Old Master Lin, who also came unexpectedly.

He was elderly and hadn't gone out all winter. Today was an exception.

A slender man in his forties, wearing a brocade robe and a pu hat, with a short beard, was beside Old Master Lin.

Lu Yao thought he didn't look like Master Lin and hurriedly welcomed them, "Old Master, you've come. Please come inside. May I ask how to address this gentleman…?"

Old Master Lin smiled kindly, "This is Liu Linyuan, one of my former students."

Lu Yao quickly said, "Lord Liu, please come inside."

After showing them inside, he attended to Madame Lin and her party.

"No need to worry about us. I'll show them around upstairs."

"Yes, sir." Lu Yao turned to prepare the firecrackers at the entrance, but he paused at the door, his eyes widening in surprise. Linyuan? Isn't that the courtesy name of the current Chancellor?